Commonwealth Land Trust owns and manages over 250 units of supportive housing, serving formerly homeless and very low-income individuals. CLT practices a client-centered approach to service provision, recognizing that each of our residents has unique challenges and an important personal history. The five clients featured here –Russell, Paula, Kevin, Stephano, and Whitney– have overcome immense obstacles and display courage in sharing their stories.

“I’ve had a hell of a life,” says Russell, a resident of Bowdoin Manor since 2007. “People don’t understand the things I’ve gone through. I lost a daughter and son in the last year- one from cancer and one to the streets. Sometimes I just go in my room and I sit down and cry.” more…

“Being in a shelter is something that you have to get used to,” says Paula, a 47-year-old resident of Commonwealth Land Trust. “You have to maintain your composure, take in a lot of things, and just hold up.” more…

“I consider myself to be blessed. I was blessed when I got my diagnosis and I was blessed getting my room at Commonwealth Land Trust,” says Kevin, a 41-year-old Boston native who has lived in CLT’s Massachusetts Avenue property since 2007. more…

“I’ve been a hairdresser and makeup artist for almost 30 years,” says Stephano, a resident of Windsor House since 2010. “I do everything: haircuts, extensions, chemical highlights, and color. I love a change of image.” more…